I WISH IT WOULD SNOW!

A bunny expresses the feelings of so many in temperate climates: They wish for snow when there’s none and none when there’s lots.

A brown rabbit in a red turtleneck sweater frolics in the woods. Alternating double-page spreads and vignette illustrations express both changing emotions and the turn of the season as the bunny goes from having a blast in the falling leaves to forlornly sitting under a tree, thinking, “I wish it would snow.” Emotions go from wishing to pleading to pitching a foot-stomping, throw-themselves-to-the-ground fit until a white swirl takes over the purplish-blue sky. The rabbit’s joy lasts only two spreads before the wished-for snow becomes too much snow. There’s then a repeat of the wishing and pleading. But the next morning reveals a winter wonderland for friends, sleds, and skis—before the ending finds bunny and sled on the verge of spring. Adult readers will easily see a message here about satisfaction and contentment with the present. But for young readers, the rabbit’s fickleness is a mirror, and the exuberant characterization, easy-to-read expressions, and limited text make it just right for their short attention spans. Dillard’s digital illustrations are brilliantly colored and a snap to parse. Sharp-eyed readers will enjoy watching the body language of a purple bird as the bunny expresses their wishes (until the snow sets in and they presumably fly south).

This acts as both a mirror and a subtle prompt to enjoy the moment.